Exploring Charcoal Techniques and Materials

Join professional artist and fine art mentor Katie Liddiard for an in-depth live stream exploring one of the most versatile and expressive drawing mediums—charcoal. In this hands-on, demonstration-rich session, Katie will break down the key differences between vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, and charcoal pencils, helping you understand when and how to use each for maximum impact. You’ll also explore core techniques like blending, lifting highlights, and controlling edges to create both bold contrasts and soft transitions in your work.

Charcoal is one of the most painterly drawing mediums, ideal for training your eye, improving your value structure, and preparing for both realist and expressive painting. This session will guide you through the tools and techniques professional artists use every day.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• How to choose between vine, compressed, and pencil charcoal
• Essential tools for charcoal drawing, including paper types and erasers
• Techniques for blending, erasing, and edge control
• How charcoal supports your growth as a painter and draftsman
• Tips for building a confident, expressive drawing style

WHO THIS STREAM IS FOR
• Artists transitioning from drawing to painting
• Beginners wanting to learn charcoal from a professional
• Intermediate and advanced artists looking to refresh or expand their skills
• Anyone curious about charcoal’s range—from bold marks to subtle tonal shifts

THIS EVENT IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR AAC GOLD MEMBERS

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